Antique Cameo Jewelry

Greco Roman shell cameo

Judgment of Paris

antique cameo earrings

Art Nouveau shell cameo

Your cameo jewelry, even if it is not considered to be antique cameo jewelry due to its age, is an investment and one worth caring for to keep it beautiful for youself and your heirs.

Care of Your Antique Cameos & Antique Cameo Jewelry

Shell cameos are subject to discoloration and cracking from dryness, aging, and the elements. They require more care than hard stone cameos whether they are being used or stored. Caring for them is simple and a periodic moisturizing will help your cameo jewelry age beautifully.

Wash the cameo with a gentle scrubbing with a very soft toothbrush using a mild soap and water solution. (I use liquid Ivory detergent and water.) Be sure to rinse it off immediately and thoroughly and pat totally dry. You can use paper towels.

Wipe the cameo with either oil of wint-o-green (preferred by professionals) or mineral oil. Be sure to do front and back. You can apply the oil with your finger, a q-tip, or a cloth. It should be allowed to soak in a few hours or overnight. Wipe the excess off. This should be done once or twice a year, especially after cleaning. Store in a clean, dry place when not in use.

Please note that all cameos purchased from Antiquing On Line have been cleaned and "cured" prior to shipping.

Like any investment in jewelry and art, cameos are worth caring for.

For some exquisite examples of antique shell cameos, antique ivory and hardstone cameos, and antique lava and coral cameos, go to our antique cameo archives.

Click for antique cameo jewelry for sale on the site.

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